Channing chases Millennium dream
London Broncos centre Michael Channing has admitted that it’d be a dream come true to play for Wales at the Millennium Stadium this Autumn.
Channing qualifies to play for Wales through Welsh grandparents on his mother’s and father’s side and has already represented the Dragons on two occasions, featuring in defeats to France and Wales in last year’s Autumn Internationals series.
And now, having played an integral role in the Broncos’ 26-12 victory away at Castleford Tigers on Sunday afternoon, the 20-year-old says he is desperate to take his representation to the next level and play for Wales at Rugby League World Cup 2013.
“I’ve never been fortunate enough to play at the Millennium Stadium, but hopefully I can realise that ambition this year,” Channing told LoveRugbyLeague.com.
“I’ve watched a few union games there as a youngster so I know how fantastic the venue is, and I knew right from the start that I always wanted to play there.”
Wales’ clash with Italy forms part of the double header Opening Ceremony at the stadium, alongside England’s mammoth showdown with Australia, on Saturday October 26.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than being a part of an Opening Ceremony for such an important tournament. It’d be mad if I was able to take that chance.
“I can’t really imagine what it’d feel like, but I know that I want to be a part of it.”
Wales have been drawn alongside USA and Cook Islands in Group C and the three teams will battle for the solitary qualification spot available for the knock-out stages.
“I rate our chances of progression to the next stage of the competition,” said Channing.
“I’m not for a second suggesting that our group stage opponents won’t be competitive because they’ll be fired up, but I think we’ve got a great side together.
“We just want to win our group, but beyond that I think it’s difficult to speak too much about targets. We can’t get too carried away with what’s in the long term, and risk overlooking what’s in front of us.”
And Channing believes that this year’s Wales squad has the potential to be stronger than it’s been in a number of years.
“There’s some decent competition for places in that squad so I know I’ll have to be playing regularly and playing well for London to secure my spot.
“Consistency will very important and I know that I need to impress Iestyn Harris in the Super League this season.
“We’ve got a lot of people coming through, so the standard is going to be high, which is what you need in your squad if you want to be successful.
“It’s an exciting year for me as a Welsh international and it’s a big goal of mine to play at Rugby League World Cup 2013.”
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